Vancouver Canucks: 5 Early Targets for the 2016 NHL Draft
![Jun 27, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Jake Virtanen poses for a photo with team officials after being selected as the number six overall pick to the Vancouver Canucks in the first round of the 2014 NHL Draft at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports Jun 27, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Jake Virtanen poses for a photo with team officials after being selected as the number six overall pick to the Vancouver Canucks in the first round of the 2014 NHL Draft at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/24ea1a322543dd366865fdbbd6e284f242e71eaea3359069ac6bae756f464cf1.jpg)
LW/C Pierre-Luc Dubois
Ranked #6 by Hockeyprospect.com
Ranked #18 by ISS Hockey
Ranked #11 by Future Considerations
Ranked #12 by McKeen’s Hockey
At 6-foot-3, 201 pounds, Pierre-Luc Dubois of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s Cape Breton Screaming Eagles is a prototypical power forward. He uses his body well, goes to the dirty areas and fights for every inch on the ice. Dubois drives to the net a lot — and rewards himself with goals.
From FutureConsiderations.ca:
"“[He] is one of the most promising 2016 eligible I’ve seen out of the Q, besides maybe Gauthier, but the race between the two is looking pretty tight,” a FC evaluator said. “He is physical, and plays the game utilizing a strong drive and his impressive frame. He supports his teammates constantly and wins most battles he engages in. He likes to drive the net and look for pucks in the greasy areas. Has some solid puck skills and offensive creativity that make you excited for what he could become at the next level.”"
Dubois could be the best QMJHL prospect of this year’s draft class. In his second season with the Screaming Eagles, he has 30 goals and 68 points in 46 games. Dubois also represented Team Canada at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge and the World U18 Championship last season.
Potential: Top-6 Forward
Draft Range: 10-20
Next: RW Julien Gauthier